Woman ‘mortified’ by assault on police

Court

Published:11:28Sunday 28 August 2016

A Portrush woman was “mortified” by her behaviour on a night out in Portstewart when she assaulted police officers.

Coleraine Magistrates Court was told that at 1.20am on May 28 this year Megan McLaughlin (27), of Primrose Drive, was removed from the Anchor Bar and was in an agitated state. Police told her to go home but she said: “Get the f--k away from me”. She was again advised to leave but slapped a sergeant on the face and struggled and refused to get into a police vehicle when arrested.

Handcuffs and limb restraints had to be applied and she assaulted another police officer. She lost consciousness and when she came round again she struggled again and was taken to hospital where she continued to be unruly and had to be restrained.

Defence barrister Eoghan Devlin said his client was “mortified” and very embarrassed by the incident which he described as being “totally out of character”.

He added: “It is obvious she is not used to drinking a lot”.

District Judge Liam McNally noted she had a clear record but said her conduct had been “appalling”.

He put her on Probation for a year and ordered her to pay £100 compensation.